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Old Gift Card Boxes

Take an old gift card and transform it into a crafty little box with endless possibilities!

Step 1: Gather Materials & Find the Perfect Card

Materials:

Dig out an old gift card that has little or no sentimental value. You can also use brand new cards if you have a ton of extras, or just want a nice, crisp, clean box. After you have made a few boxes, you'll be able to judge which cards will make better boxes (based upon your personal preferences).

Tools:

Ruler

Scissors

Pencil/Pen

Eraser

Tape, Glue, or Stapler

As you probably already noticed, I was out of tape. So I improvised. :)

Step 2: Divide & Conquer

Step 3: Contemplation/Preparation

Choose which side you wish to be the top and which you want to be the bottom. (No-Brainer)

For each side, place the face you want to show on the outside of the box face down in front of you.

A good rule of thumb for remembering this, is that you don't want to be drawing lines on the face of the box which will be showing.

Step 4: 'X' Marks the Spot

Line your ruler up on opposite corners of your card, and draw a short line along the ruler near the middle of the page.

Repeat this for the opposite corners to make an 'X' in the middle of the card.

Do this for both the top and bottom cards.

Hint: I use pencil so I can erase my lines later. It helps to draw lightly, and to keep a larger eraser handy.

This is not necessary, but makes the finished product more aesthetically appealing.

Step 5: Follow That Fold

Top:Fold then unfold each edge into the center, so that all the edges meet directly in the center of the card. I have found it easiest to do opposing sides, then rotating to do the others.

Bottom:

Fold then unfold each edge just past the center of the card (1/8" - 1/4"). You have to fold then unfold each edge individually in order to see your center 'X' as you fold the next. You can use your ruler to make sure that all the edges protrude evenly, but I personally find it doesn't make a whole lot of difference to just eyeball your measurements on this step.

This difference is important as it allows the bottom of the box to be smaller so that it fits inside the top piece of the box when you're finished.

Step 6: Ooooh, I Like Pointy Things

Cut along the folds starting from the short side of each card. Stop at the first intersecting fold.

Step 7: Putting Two and Two Together

Stand the long edges up, and pull their flaps together to form one side of the box. Take the middle flap on the short edge and fold it up and over the top of the two side flaps. Tape, Glue, or Staple your end together so it doesn't come apart, then repeat this with all the remaining sides, and Voila, your reused gift card box is complete.

Step 8: Ideas for Application

Here are some examples of ways I have used my boxes over the years:

Seed Containers

Gift Boxes (surprise surprise!)

Decoration

Organizing Nick Knacks

Sharing with Others!

I hope you find this fun, and would love to hear or see what kinds of ideas others come up with.